The typical farming cycle is recalibrated when the crop is field grown trees. Most farmers get an itch to put seeds in the ground on cool spring mornings, but fall is when the Bayou Garden fields are tilled and readied for — bags? Instead of rows of hopeful little seeds, the process starts with a fabric grow bag.

“We made the decision early on to produce a high-quality product, and that goal pointed us to grow bags,” said David Broussard, owner. “The way these fabric bags multiply roots on the inside of the bag and naturally prune those on the outside of the bag creates an amazing root ball that is viable in all types of landscape settings.”

Planting bags, however, is a labor-intensive endeavor that Broussard is working to further automate. “We believe that the bags are an investment of time on the front end of the process when a typical ball and burlap tree sees an investment of time on the back end,” he said. Workers use a specially made auger and pay close attention to the depth of the bag.

When the liners arrive later this month, actual planting will begin. “I’m excited about this crop,” Broussard said. “We have been blessed to be in a position to expand our market and add a couple of new varieties in the field.  In the nursery business, steady, sustainable growth is always a good thing.”